Ham Radio YouTube Channels Skywave Propagation

Skywave propagation, crucial for long-distance Ham radio communication, involves radio waves bouncing off the ionosphere. Several YouTube channels focus on this topic, explaining how it works and how to utilize it for DXing. These channels often cover the science behind skywave and practical tips for effective HF communication.

Key aspects:

1. The Ionosphere: The layer of charged particles in the Earth's upper atmosphere that reflects radio waves.
2. Solar Activity: Solar flares and other solar events can affect the ionosphere, impacting skywave propagation.
3. Time of Day: The time of day influences the ionosphere's characteristics, affecting which frequencies are best for communication.
4. Frequency and Bands: Different frequency bands are suitable for skywave propagation at different times and distances.
5. NVIS (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave): A specialized form of skywave propagation where signals are transmitted nearly vertically and reflected back to the Earth's surface at a relatively short range.
6. Skip Distance: The distance a radio wave travels before being reflected back to Earth by the ionosphere.

Here are some examples of Ham radio YouTube channels that discuss radio wave propagation:

1. Rohde & Schwarz: While not exclusively a Ham radio channel, this channel offers an educational video explaining the fundamental concepts of HF propagation, including skywave and the ionosphere. Recommended videos:
   • Understanding HF Propagation
   • Understanding Sporadic E
   • Understanding Meteor Burst
   • Understanding EME
   • Understanding HF Direction Finding
   • Understanding Over the Horizon (OTH) Radar
   • Understanding Near Field Probes
   • Understanding VNAs - Antenna Isolation Measurements
   • Understanding RF Connector Care
   • Understanding VNAs - Antenna Measurements
   • Understanding VHF Propagation
   • Understanding Tropospheric Ducting at VHF and higher fequencies
2. 4X4XM @ QSL.net: A Guide for Radio Hams: The Fascinating World of HF Skywave Propagation
3. VK3FS:
   • The Ionosphere; The Ionosphere Part 2
   • Sporadic E Propagation; Sporadic E Propagation in 2 minutes
   • What exactly are the key Solar Indicies?
   • Making sense of Solar Indices
   • Solar Termination Events
   • WSPR Weak Signal Propagation Reporter
   • Local Radio Interference
   • HamAlert - Real-time DX notifications on your device
   • Tools for VHF Propagation
   • Tropospheric Propagation
4. KE0OG, David Casler: HF Propagation Factors. Why shorter (higher) wavelength bands are better for long distance HF compared to longer wavelength bands. Why don't longer wavelengths travel better?
5. TheSmokinApe: This channel offers educational content on Ham radio, including videos on the D-layer's role in skywave propagation and other HF propagation concepts. They also provide playlists dedicated to HF propagation.
6. N4HNH: D-Layer Absorption—This year, we’ve been experiencing solar disturbances that have hampered propagation. Lately the D-region of the Ionosphere (30-60 miles above the Earth) has been absorbing signals significantly, especially below 10 Megahertz. This video shows how to interpret the D-Region Absorption Prediction map.
7. Ham Radio DX: This channel focuses on DXing, which heavily relies on skywave propagation, and offers insights into the technical aspects of HF communication and propagation.
8. MIT Film & Video Production club: The Ionosphere, Shortwave Radio, and Propagation
9. Art Bodger: WWII educational moview: The Effects Of The Ionosphere On Radio Wave Propagation